Lifestyle Building and Design

Crafting Luxury Homes

Precision, technology, and  a leading vision design a winning future

When Luke Parkes founded Lifestyle Building and Design in 2005, his ambition was clear: to create beautiful, detail-driven homes that reflected the individuality of his clients while setting a new benchmark in high-end residential building. Nearly two decades later, the company has not only fulfilled that vision but also adapted to the evolving challenges of Australia’s construction industry by embracing innovation and technology.

From luxury homes in Sydney’s most prestigious suburbs to expansive estates in the Southern Highlands, Lifestyle Building and Design has built a reputation for craftsmanship, client service, and forward-thinking project management. With a strong team of 25–40 employees and a growing focus on integrating artificial intelligence (AI), the company is preparing for the next chapter of growth—one defined by fewer, larger-value projects and greater efficiency.

Building from the Ground Up

Parkes’ passion for building began early. At just 14, he discovered his aptitude for construction, quickly realizing that the combination of hands-on skill and creative problem-solving was his calling. By his mid-20s, he took the leap and launched his own company, setting the stage for what would become Lifestyle Building and Design.

“I knew from an early age that building was something I not only enjoyed but excelled at,” Parkes recalls. “When the opportunity came to start my own business, I wanted to build a company where craftsmanship, client care, and team culture were at the center.”

From its foundation, the business specialized in high-end residential projects. Over the years, Parkes carefully cultivated a team of dedicated professionals, some of whom have been with the company for more than 14 years. Six years ago, he brought on business partner George, allowing him to focus more on business development and company culture while maintaining strong oversight of project delivery.

A Focus on Prestigious Projects

Lifestyle Building and Design has concentrated its work on select postcodes known for luxury homes, including the Sutherland Shire, Sydney’s eastern suburbs, and the Southern Highlands. The company has also extended its reach to the Snowy Mountains and the South Coast of New South Wales, reflecting its versatility and reputation for handling challenging projects in diverse locations.

Among its portfolio, two projects stand out: a $20 million residence in Barony Bay, showcasing exquisite architectural detail and craftsmanship and a $10 million project in the Southern Highlands, reflecting the company’s ability to deliver complex, large-scale builds in regional settings.

Currently, the company is working on its largest project to date, set for completion at the end of next year. With meticulous attention to detail, it promises to be a defining example of Lifestyle Building and Design’s capabilities.

Client-Centric Experience

For Lifestyle Building and Design, luxury is not just about the finished home—it’s about the entire client journey. From the initial meeting, clients interact directly with the owners, who bring both passion and deep knowledge of the trade.

The company typically runs eight projects at a time, each managed by a dedicated project manager supported by skilled site managers, estimators, and foremen. This structure ensures that each build receives the close attention and accountability it deserves.

“We make sure our clients feel heard and supported throughout the process,” Parkes explains. “Building a home is one of the biggest investments people make, and we want them to enjoy the journey as much as the end result.”

Digital platforms also play a critical role. Tools like Procore, Build Exact, and Staff Lead streamline estimating, project tracking, and staff management. These systems improve communication between the office, sites, and clients, creating a seamless and transparent building experience.

Navigating Industry Challenges

The last few years have brought unprecedented challenges to the construction industry. Rising material costs, global supply chain disruptions, and a shortage of skilled labor have reshaped the business landscape. For Lifestyle Building and Design, these pressures have been felt most acutely in the form of increased costs and longer timelines.

“COVID-19, bushfires, and now inflation have all had major impacts,” Parkes notes. “We’ve seen huge spikes in material prices and labor shortages that make it harder to maintain the margins we used to see. At the same time, development applications are backlogged, and rising interest rates are making clients more cautious.”

While many companies have struggled to adapt, Parkes sees opportunity in these challenges. By leaning into technology and AI-driven solutions, Lifestyle Building and Design is finding ways to offset rising costs and maintain efficiency.

Harnessing the Power of AI

One of the company’s defining moves for the future is its embrace of artificial intelligence. Parkes and his team are investing in the development of proprietary AI tools that will support key business functions such as: estimating, automating and refining cost estimates to save time and reduce human error project management, streamlining scheduling, resource allocation, and reporting, client Communication, using AI to generate progress updates, streamline approvals, and enhance transparency, labor allocation and staff management as well as optimizing staffing across multiple projects.

By reducing overheads and increasing accuracy, AI offers Lifestyle Building and Design the chance to remain competitive even in a high-cost market. “AI is not about replacing people,” Parkes emphasizes. “It’s about giving our team the tools to work smarter, not harder.”

Looking Ahead: Bigger Projects, Broader Vision

Over the next three to five years, Parkes envisions Lifestyle Building and Design evolving into a company that takes on fewer but larger-value projects. This shift will allow the team to dedicate more time and resources to each build, ensuring that quality and detail remain uncompromised.

At the same time, the company is considering a move into property development, leveraging its construction expertise to create projects from the ground up. This expansion would provide greater control over project pipelines while diversifying revenue streams.

Underlying these plans is a commitment to maintaining the company’s personal and detail-driven approach, even as it grows. “Scaling up doesn’t mean losing touch,” Parkes says. “Our clients come to us because we care about every finish, every interaction, and every outcome. That will never change.”

A Team That Defines the Business

While technology and strategy are critical, Parkes is quick to point out that Lifestyle Building and Design’s greatest asset is its people. Many of the company’s core team members have been with him for more than a decade, a rarity in an industry often defined by turnover.

This loyalty stems from a culture built on respect, growth, and shared success. “We’ve built an environment where people feel valued and part of something bigger,” Parkes explains. “That stability shows in the quality of our work and the trust our clients place in us.”

A Vision for the Future of Building

As Lifestyle Building and Design approaches its 20th anniversary, the company stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation. Its commitment to craftsmanship and client experience anchors it in the values that first inspired Parkes as a teenager. At the same time, its embrace of AI and forward-looking strategies positions it to lead the next generation of luxury builders in New South Wales.

For Parkes, the journey is about more than building homes—it’s about building a business that lasts, adapts, and inspires. “We’ve faced challenges, but we’ve also found new ways to grow,” he reflects. “The future of Lifestyle Building and Design is about blending the best of human craftsmanship with the best of technology. That’s how we’ll continue to deliver homes that truly stand apart.”

At a Glance

Who: Lifestyle Building and Design

What: A leading builder providing the flexibility, craftsmanship and design know-how to stay on top

Where: Sydney, Australia

Website: www.lifestylebuildingdesign.com.au

PREFERRED VENDORS/PARTNERS